Welcome to our final newsletter of the year and what a year it has been for Shirebrook! The has become a real beacon of success both in the community and across . I feel we are finally getting recognised for the hard work we do. As I am sure you are aware we were awarded “outstanding” in every category in a recent very rigorous Ofsted inspection (see inside for further details). This happened in the old building & was well deserved by students, staff and parents. We don’t want to sit back though and think we have made it! You will see in the newsletter just how many initiatives and projects we are working on. I have told staff we are not stopping at We are also in partnership with outstanding – it is to infinity and beyond! , Bolsover, Springwell & Heritage Schools to open an ‘Aspire We are developing links with several other schools and Sixth Form College’ in September 2014. hoping to become a “Teaching School” in the near This will allow our current Y10 to stay on in future which would allow us to train our own teachers a sixth form and study a range of and provide training for other schools. vocational and/or ‘A’ level courses.

Due to our success with results and Ofsted, we have been Exciting times ahead! asked to support a number of other schools. This does mean I am out of school more often than before and in I wish you all well and hope to see you at light of this; the governors have made Mr Croft Associate our next fun day on 6th July. Principal. This means that Mr Croft will lead the school in day to day matters and ensure that does not suffer in my absence. Mr Croft has been an outstanding Vice Principal and I am sure you will join me in congratulating him on his promotion.

Julie Bloor Principal,

Shirebrook Academy

ISSUE 6

C.S. Lewis

Shirebrook Academy held its third annual F.L.A.R.E (Finding Literacy and Reading Exciting) Literacy week on Monday 25 February –Friday 1 March with the theme for this year being C.S. Lewis’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. The theme was selected as ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ explore the idea of discovering new worlds, growing up, friendship and leadership which are central to Shirebrook Academy values and also linked to the move into the new build. During the week, each year group had a special F.L.A.R.E assembly with presentations linked to ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ delivered by Lindsay Ward (AST/ Leader of Literacy) and Anna Jacques (Assistant Principal-English and Literacy) and students were also entertained by outstanding dance performances by the highly talented F.L.A.R.E Dance group: Helena Burdett, Leah Key, Shannon Unwin and Charley Darby and the Year 7 ‘Mini F.L.A.R.E’ dance group also choreographed by Shannon Unwin.

On Monday 25 February, professional storyteller Pete Davis came into Shirebrook Academy to instruct students on the ‘Art of Storytelling’ during their English lessons and at lunchtime. The students loved learning how to turn Russian fairy tales into dramatic readings, especially since they were rather gruesome! On Tuesday, Year 7 and Year 10 students worked with Peter Ward, a musical storyteller, to explore the art of telling stories using instruments and song. At lunchtime, 16 students participated in the Scrabble challenge, held in the Library, in an attempt to become the Scrabble champion! On Wednesday, students from Stubbin Wood, accompanied by their teacher Eloise Barnett and several Teaching assistants, worked with Year 10 and 11 Media studies’ students, to produce some outstanding F.L.A.R.E canvases linked to ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. The Narnia Cake bake off competition was won by Paula Corbett, who produced an incredible, mouth-watering cheesecake that left the Judges drooling and speechless! After school, staff participated in a CPD Literacy event which tested departments’ literacy skills and knowledge of the Narnia books. The Humanities department were crowned the winners and received a ‘Leading department for Literacy’ trophy.

Years 7 and 11 participated in a balloon release on Thursday afternoon. The students in the two year groups worked together in pairs and were provided with a balloon and tag on which they wrote a message about the importance of Literacy. At 3pm, the two year groups released their balloons and it was an incredible sight to witness 180 balloons with 180 Literacy messages soaring up into the air to hopefully reach someone in Shirebrook or the wider community beyond! Every lunch time, students were involved in participating in Narnia Dodgeball games- competing in their teams to be crowned the champion of their Year-the winning forms were 7PH, 8JM, 9NH, 10BH and 11HN and each received a F.L.A.R.E Sports challenge trophy.

Friday was the ‘Grand Finale’ of Literacy week: the Character Costume day! Each member of staff and the majority of students were dressed in a costume linked to ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Once again, it was a mesmerising sight to behold and the staff and students loved it!

All students who had participated during the week or those selected by Heads of Department and Heads of Year attended the Literacy Showcase during Friday afternoon and were treated to a lovely buffet and awarded their prizes.

The event was also attended by students and staff from Stubbin Wood and Park Junior who read out their pieces of creative writing linked to ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ and performed a contemporary dance with style and finesse!

There were vocal performances by Key stage 4 music students and a dramatic reading of the ‘Capture of the White witch’ by Matthew Bullars and Aiden Richardson (Year 11 students) who also acted as comperes for the event and did a brilliant job of introducing the performers and judges.

Prizes were awarded to the winners of the Academy’s Creative writing competition (which had over 100 entries) and was judged by Mrs Bloor. The two overall winners were: Charlotte Williscroft (Year 10) and Sandra Iwanina (Year 8) who produced two outstanding pieces of creative writing describing their dream world. These two talented students were each awarded an I-Pad by Mrs Bloor, to be used to develop their creativity even further.

Trophies were awarded to the Narnia dodgeball winners and to the forms whom had created the best Coat of Arms and Form Motto- these were: 7CB, 8MS, 9ME, 10CS and 11SC.

It was a fantastic event and a true celebration of the week’s achievements. It demonstrated both students’ and staff’s successes in Literacy and proved once again that Shirebrook Academy truly has literacy at its heart!

Our latest Business and ICT London Residential was fragments of text, in real-time, from public a great success. On Thursday 14th February Mrs chartrooms and bulletin boards; took our breath Taylor, Mr Mitton and Mrs Mehrotra-Hughes took 28 away. The ‘Code Breaker’ exhibition gave a great students to experience our country’s capital. Our insight into the history of computing and how Alan first stop was Bloomberg – a multinational mass Turing helped to shape the modern world. Finally media corporation set up by Michael Bloomberg the basement is home to Google Chrome’s the Mayor of New York. With stunning architecture Weblabs, an extraordinary series of web and fascinating history it was the free food in the experiments such as Sketchbot, Orchestra and company’s pantry – accessible 24 hours to all staff, Teleporter; aims to bring the extraordinary workings that really blew everyone away and had them of the internet to life and aims to inspire the world stuffing their faces! about the possibilities of the web.

Next was an unscheduled stop to see the Queen Moving on to Chelsea Football Stadium – Stamford at Buckingham Palace. Students were wowed by Bridge, students were very excited to see Juan the building the marching guards and Victoria Mata coming out of the ground and were Memorial. After a lovely stroll through Green Park disappointed when Mrs Taylor insisted (wrongly)it to see the squirrels and through Piccadilly Circus to was just a regular Joe and they couldn’t ask for his see the big screens, after several wrong turns we autograph! A tour of the museum, stadium, player arrived to have dinner in the Rainforest Cafe. Lastly areas and a business talk about the world of to take in a global smash hit show – Mamma Mia. football were a great way to spend an afternoon. We were blown away by the outstanding singing Rounded off with a coke in ‘Frankies Sports Bar and dancing and couldn’t help but have a sing and Grill’ owned by Frankie Dettori and Marco along ourselves. Made even more special by a Pierre White. man proposing to his girlfriend in one of the boxes, it was a performance the students will never forget. A cold brisk walk through Hyde Park led us to the Tired yet full of excitement we made our way back Hard Rock Café for dinner where we could all be to our hotel next to Wembley Stadium for a well seen singing loudly along to the music as we ate! deserved night’s sleep! Students got the chance to visit the Rock shop and then to the ‘Vault’ which is home to some amazing A quick breakfast and straight out for day 2 in the ‘Rock God’ memorabilia such as guitars belonging city; first stop the National Science Museum that to Kurt Cobain and Gene Simmons and hand was holding several special ICT exhibitions. The written lyrics by John Lennon, an awe inspiring incredible ‘listening post’ – a dynamic portrait of place to visit. online communication, displaying uncensored fragments of text, in real-time, from public We then made our way back to the hotel where chartrooms and bulletin boards; took our breath we thought everyone would be full up on burgers away. The ‘Code Breaker’ exhibition gave a great and ready for bed, but apparently an escorted insight into the history of computing and how Alan late night trip to McDonalds in onsies was in order – pretty sure Mrs Taylor and Mr Mitton felt a bit silly – A cold brisk walk through Hyde Park led us to the Hard Rock Café for dinner where we could all be seen singing loudly along to the music as we ate! Students got the chance to visit the Rock shop and then to the ‘Vault’ which is home to some amazing ‘Rock God’ memorabilia such as guitars belonging to Kurt Cobain and Gene Simmons and hand written lyrics by John Lennon, an awe inspiring place to visit.

We then made our way back to the hotel where we thought everyone would be full up on burgers and ready for bed, but apparently an escorted late night trip to McDonalds in onsies was in order – pretty sure Mrs Taylor and Mr Mitton felt a bit silly – good job they weren’t in onsies too!

And finally day 3; an early morning visit to the London Eye to take in the fantastic 4D cinema experience, not sure what students made of being squirted with water though. Then on to the eye itself, most students took in the breathtaking views and were snapping away with cameras. Only a few clung to the bench in the middle as if their life depended on it!

To make the most out of the trip we took them on a walk through London to see some of the sights – Houses of Parliament; Big Ben; Cabinet War Rooms; Downing Street; Horse Guards Parade; Trafalgar Square; Nelson’s Column and more. It certainly was educational for all when one student asked if the ‘Nelson’ on the column was in fact Nelson Mandela, we almost felt bad for saying no!

Last but not least was a few hours shopping in Covent Garden, taking in the atmosphere, visiting the market stalls, quaint shops and watching street performers before our final journey home.

JamOverall packed, it was aexciting jam packed, and an exciting educational and educational trip! trip! Fun was had Funby all, was teachers had by included.all, teachers We included. can’t wait We to can’tgo again next year! wait to go again next year!

Y9 Council representatives enjoyed a sunny day in London visiting the Houses of Parliament. After passing through security procedures, students were taken on a tour which included watching the House of Commons and House of Lords in action, and learning about key events in the history of Parliament, such as the campaigns of the Suffragettes to gain votes for women. Students learnt about how laws are made, and then had the opportunity to meet , MP for Bolsover. Mr Skinner joined the group for a question and answer session – as the longest serving MP he had plenty of experiences to share. His final piece of advice to students was “aim high, you can achieve whatever you want”. Other highlights of the day included successfully navigating On returning to school the students the underground trains, spending time in Trafalgar Square, gave a presentation to the rest of and photo opportunities with the Horseguards on Whitehall. Year 9 in assembly to share what they

had learnt.

Y10 Council organised a week of lunchtime activities to raise money for Help for Heroes - dancing, military drill, an assault course (with some help from the local army cadets!), and a bake sale to round off the week. Over £100 was raised, a massive achievement given the amount of Comic Relief fundraising taking place at the same time – thanks to all students and staff for their generosity.

Y7 Council organised an ‘Easter Bunny Hunt’, where the Council students themselves were hidden around school at lunchtime wearing bunny ears, and Y7 could win chocolate eggs by finding them! The event was a lot of fun, and more lunchtime activities are planned for the summer term (although in our new building there are fewer hiding places so we will need to think of a different activity!)

On Thursday 7th March the Academy took a group of students to Heritage High school to compete in a special sporting event. The team consisted of three Year 9 leaders and 4 Year 7 students. The event itself was designed to allow some students the opportunity to participate in sport and to give them the chance to represent their school in competition. Students from five schools in the competed in a round robin tournament in both Boccia and Seated Volleyball. Although the day began with a shaky start, pulling a new team together last minute, it was a huge success overall and the students had a great morning participating in events that they would not normally get the opportunity to do.

Boccia Seated Volleyball For those that are unaware, Boccia is a Paralympic sport The seated volleyball was a very interesting competition, with for athletes with disabilities that have a major impact on all participants getting into the competitive spirit, throwing their motor skills, however it can be played by all. Boccia is a bodies around to prevent the ball from hitting the floor. target ball sport belonging to the same family as petanque Shirebrook’s team did extremely well, finishing undefeated, and bowls. drawing three (1 set each) and winning one (taking both sets). Although the team did not lose a game, it wasn’t to be enough. The three students who took part in the Boccia competition The volleyball competition proved to be a well fought contest showed great respect and maturity in their games during with three teams finishing joint 1st – Shirebrook, Frederick Gent the day. Although the team did not have the best of starts, School and Heritage. But, there could only be one winner. losing their first two games, they were able to pull together However after calculating points difference (points won during as a team and win their final two. During their winning the games) and points won (points scored during the games) it games the three participants began to show a better was Heritage who appeared winners. Shirebrook were extremely understanding of the game and began to think tactically, unlucky, missing out by just 5 points scored during the games. outwitting and outplaying their opponents in all three rounds. Overall The last two games allowed the team to pick up a well- Although Shirebrook did not come home with a Trophy, all deserved 6 points, giving them a shot at 1st place. students did exceptionally well and were a credit to the Unfortunately though it was not to be, School won Academy, not only based on behavior, but also their respect to their final game and took 1st spot away from the Academy. others and their sportsmanship throughout. The event ran None the less the team did extremely well coming 2nd, only smoothly, with all students being praised for the way they had 2 points behind top spot. conducted themselves during the day. All participants appeared to enjoy themselves and received a medal for participating.

Overview from Harry Langrick Today was a great day. The three leaders, alongside another student played seated volleyball, whilst the other three took part in the Boccia competition. The Boccia team won two and lost two but put in a great performance, showing great effort and sportsmanship. The volleyball team was dominant throughout the whole competition, drawing three and winning one, scoring a total of 9 points. The Boccia team came 2nd and the Volleyball team finished joint 1st.

Earlier this year Shirebrook Academy and Stubbin Wood completed joint training with Derbyshire Health Promotion. The aim was to learn skills necessary to take part on the Young Inspectors programme. Both schools enjoyed a fun packed day learning skills they will use in their role. A variety of skills were learned such as: communication & body language and facial expressions etc.

Both schools enjoyed making friends and learning about the people they will soon be working with. Everyone is looking forward to the upcoming inspection of the Schools Community Nurse.

Super Learning Day

On 20 March we had Super Learning Day where we welcomed lots of visitors into our academy including the police and magistrates helping Y10 with Mock trials, a Calypso singer helping Y8 to learn about Fair Trade, and a range of speakers for a Y11 Health day. The biggest group of visitors though was to the Y9 Enterprise Challenge – a business challenge set by Judith Gill, our regular visitor from Nat West. This time Judith was joined by 15 colleagues from Nat West who had been allowed a day out from their usual jobs to work with our students. Stubbin Wood students also joined in and gave some fantastic Pictured is the winning team along with staff from Nat West, Mr Marshall, and presentations to the judging panel. Christie Fulleylove from Thomas Cook who joined the judging panel. Students and Nat West staff had a great day working together, and students got a real insight into the skills needed in working life.

Work Experience SEN Sports For Y10 students we are now offering a bespoke and joint work experience programme for both Shirebrook Academy and Stubbin Wood students. Students will learn all aspects of what is expected of them in the working Programme world whilst building their confidence along the way. This experience of work award 2013 will cover preparation for work, looking at career research and CV We have a SEN sports programme planning. Preparation for the work place will involve looking at workplace starting in September. behaviour, understanding wage slips and first aid. The last module, being at work is where students will keep a diary and have an opportunity to take and A small group of year 9 and 10 save lots of pictures of their time in work experience. This is a unique students are looking forward to a opportunity that will give all students a broad range of real life work personal development experience through the school’s partnership. programme focused around football. The project will run over 3

years for 1 PE lesson a week. They will take part in competitions, leadership and skills based sessions!

Watch this space for more information!

. Y7 STREET

Our Trip to London

A big thank you to all guests and providers for making the evening so successful.

Year 8 Council students recently gave a tour of the new building to welcome the ladies coffee morning group. The ladies have been meeting at the school every week for over twenty years, and will continue in the new build. Students explained how they are settling in to the new building and served tea and cake. The ladies sent a lovely letter of thanks;

“What a great morning we had. Thank you so much for your kindness in giving us the ‘grand tour’ of your fabulous Academy’

SPORTS NEWS . . .

One of our leavers from last year is heading down the pathway to success with Mansfield Town Football Club. Billy Simpson who left Shirebrook Academy last year is ready to undertake his 2nd year on a scholarship with the club. The scholarship allows Billy to pursue his football career with the Stags whilst continuing with his studies. A regular face in the Youth Team line up Billy has also made appearances for the main squad reserves.

Keep up the good work Tyler, we hope it is the start of a glistening martial arts career!

Y11 student at Shirebrook Academy, Jade Humphries (pictured far right) is well known for her continued success in the field of kick boxing. Jade who attends Spirit Kickboxing is part of a team of five selected to represent Team GB at the World Championships in Italy later this year. The team are currently looking for help with sponsorship to enable this to happen. Anyone interested in helping with a donation can contact Kim Clarke on 07790887298. Jade will be at our family fun day on 6th July raising funds for her forthcoming trip.

Legends in action On Sunday 2 June students from Shirebrook Academy were given the opportunity to watch some of the world’s greatest footballers and music artists in an action packed day at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United FC. The trip to Old Trafford was aimed at the students who have represented their football teams from Y7 all the way through to Y11 as a thank you for their commitment to the Academy. It was also used a chance for all current and prospective sixth form sports students to interact with one another before their September start.

The afternoon in a sun-drenched Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams, began with live music from various artists including JLS, before the main attraction - legends from English champions Manchester United and Spanish giant Real Madrid locked horns. The game featured ex-players from both clubs such as Paul Scholes, Andy Cole, Dwight York, Luis Figo and former world player of the year Zinedine Zidane! It was a master class of football from the ex-stars, and despite the win for the Spaniards a great day was had by all.

Facilities available to the community at Shirebrook Academy include:

The new £27m buildings at the new Shirebrook Academy are now  Floodlit 3G football pitch available for the community to use at evenings and weekends.  Grass football pitches Now that the students have had time to settle in to the new building,  Outdoor tennis and it is time for the community to have the opportunity netball courts to use the new buildings for their activities.  4 badminton court sports hall Facilities for All, a specialist in managing school buildings within the  Activity / Dance Studio community, have been appointed by Shirebrook Academy to run and  Drama Studio manage the facilities on their behalf.  Classrooms and meeting The facilities at Shirebrook Academy are available to rooms hire from 6.00pm – 10.00pm weekdays and  Specialist classrooms for from 9.00am – 9.00pm art, technology etc at weekends.  Social / Dining Areas  Theatre with seating for up to 120 people  Many more facilities….

Use the brand new 3G football pitch at For more information, a price list or booking form please contact Shirebrook Academy Facilities for All directly using for only £10 per hour the details below:

this summer!!! Office: 01623 741 660 Mob: 07966 960 816 E-mail: [email protected] www.facilitiesforall.co.uk www.shirebrookacademy.org/community-2/lettings/ Facebook: facebook.com/facilitiesforall PLAY TENNIS AT SHIREBROOK THIS SUMMER Twitter: @facilities4all

Do you want to become the next Andy Murray or Rafael Nadal? Wimbledon fever will be here shortly and you can come and play tennis at Shirebrook Academy for only £5 per court, per hour.

Common Lane, Shirebrook, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG20 8QF

Come along on Saturday 6th July 2013 11.00 – 3.00pm Come along and enjoy a variety of activities including bouncy castles, high ropes course, family learning workshops, live music and much more.

See our website for more information www.shirebrookacademy.org

For a number of years Rotary clubs Brandon Layrton throughout and Ireland have been involved in the above competition.

This year the club entered the Senior and Intermediate Competition in District 1220 for the first time. There were some excellent entries.

Judging the event were two persons of excellent credentials. Michael Davies a former self employed photographer who had his own business in London and was on the Royal List of photographers and David Goff who specialises in weddings but is a well renowned local photographer.

The format of this year’s competition was that there had to be three photographs submitted on the PEACE theme, together with a short piece as to how the photographs relate to ‘Peace’.

Both judges were extremely surprised at the high level of entries and the decisions were unanimous.

Nathan Scott Laker The winners were as follows:

SENIOR CATEGORY.

1st Place £50 prize to Kara BRADBURY (SHIREBROOK ACADEMY) Judges said that her best photograph totally fitted the Peace theme.

2nd Place £30 Natalie CHILDS of MEDEN ACADEMY Judges said that her best photo showed good skill of composition.

3rd Place £20. Lauren RATCLIFFE of SHIREBROOK ACADEMY. Judges said that she had made an extremely good attempt.

INTERMEDIATE CATEGORY.

1st Place £50 Nathan Scott LAKER of SHIREBROOK ACADEMY. Judges said that the colours for Peace were a true representation.

2nd Place £30 Rose HEMINGWAY of MEDEN ACADEMY. Judges said that artistically she got the theme right. She so nearly was the winner it was almost the toss of a coin.

Both winning entries were submitted to the District 1220 where there are some 64 clubs.

Following the judging Nathan Scott Laker was judged the winner in the Intermediate section. For his efforts he received a further £50.

The Young Generation Committee of the Rotary Club of Warsop Shirebrook and Distrrict wishes to place on record the support received from both Shirebrook and Meden Academies and their respective school links ie Peter Marshall (SHIREBROOK) and Tim Gibbon (MEDEN).

The prizes were awarded by Chair of the Young Generation Committee and Steve Garner lead officer for the competition.

Luke Timmons

Pictured are; Richard Goad (chairman), Steve Garner, David Adsetts, Mike Maloney and Shirebrook Academy winners Lauren Ratcliffe and Nathan Scott Laker

Dear Parents and Carers I would like to introduce myself to you all as the manager of the Academy’s brand new i-3 centre. This is a support centre for KS3 students who, for a variety of reasons, are experiencing difficulties fully engaging in academy life or in the community. I-3 offers a wide range of support to students in KS3 including one to one support, group sessions and out of school activities in order to improve things such as behaviour, attendance, self-esteem, confidence, self-awareness and self-control. Before working at Shirebrook Academy I held similar positions at both Parkside Community School and Hall School and I am now delighted to be at Shirebrook Academy which is an outstanding school in every sense and I consider it a real privilege to be here. I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months. Kind Regards

Chris Hendley i-3 Manager

The Academy closes for the summer holidays on Friday 19 July and re-opens as follows: Thursday 5 September Year 7, Year 10 and Year 11 in school Friday 6 September Year 8 and Year 9 arrive. All students in school on this day. June Arrangements for the last day of term 26 Sports Day are as follows: 27 Super Learning Day Y7-10 Period 1 and Period 2 28 INSET day & Y11 Prom Years 7, 8, 9 in tutor groups 28 GCSE Examinations end Brunch will be served from 10.20am until 10.50am July Period 3 and 4 (finishing at 12.40pm) 6 Family Fun Day Year 7, 8, 9 watch ‘Shirebrook’s got Talent’ 8-19 Y10 Work Experience 12.40pm Students leave – 12 Super Learning Day Y7-Y9 18 Y7 Big Event Langwith and New Houghton buses only arrive.

This last day is an optional non-uniform if students contribute £1 to a student nominated charity. May I take this opportunity to wish you a relaxing and enjoyable summer and thank you for your support over what has been our most successful year ever due to our ‘outstanding’ Ofsted and move to a brand new build. Common Lane, Shirebrook, Mansfield, Notts. NG20 8QF

Julie Bloor, Principal Telephone 01623 742722 www.shirebrookacademy.org